Accra Circuit Court: Thomas Dorkenu Granted GH¢350K Bail in Enlistment Scam

• Thomas Dorkenu, a retired Fire Officer, was granted GH¢350,000 bail over an alleged enlistment scam involving 60 applicants.
• The accused allegedly collected GH¢303,200 from the applicants on the pretext of securing their enlistment into the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service (GNFRS) through protocol allocation.
• Dorkenu's defence counsel argued that their client had been in Police custody since his arrest and should be granted bail.

The prosecution said investigations were at an advanced stage and that Dorkenu, having served in the GNFRS for many years, knew that 60 protocol slots could not be allocated to one person.

On August 13, 2026, the Accra Circuit Court made a significant decision in the case of Thomas Dorkenu, a retired Fire Officer accused of an alleged GH¢303,200 enlistment scam. The court granted Dorkenu GH¢350,000 bail with two sureties, adjourning the case to September 24, 2026. This development has sparked interest in the potential precedent set by this case and its implications for Ghana's public services.

According to the prosecution, Thomas Dorkenu collected GH¢303,200 from 60 applicants on the pretext of securing their enlistment into the Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service (GNFRS) through protocol allocation. The applicants were allegedly told that they had been selected for recruitment and were directed to report for training on July 23, 2026. However, when they arrived at the GNFRS Training School, they discovered that the appointment letters were fake.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, opposed Dorkenu's application for bail, citing concerns about his potential flight risk. The investigation is reportedly at an advanced stage, with the police pursuing leads on a Telecel number allegedly involved in the scam. A Techno Spark C30 smartphone believed to have been used in the offence has been forwarded for digital forensic examination.

Dorkenu's defence counsel argued that their client had been in Police custody since his arrest on July 28, 2026, and should be granted bail. The counsel disputed the prosecution's assertion that Dorkenu lived in the Volta Region, claiming he resided at Ashongman Estates. They also described the prosecution's case as 'fanciful and full of allegations'.

Lawyers should watch for the precedent set by this case, as it highlights the potential risks of protocol allocation scams and the importance of verifying enlistment procedures in Ghana's public services.

Source: Original reporting via GNA